Forest campgrounds open for holiday weekend

Flathead National Forest campgrounds started opening in early May and all campgrounds, weather permitting, are scheduled to be open for the Memorial Day weekend.

Holland Lake, Swan Lake, Emery Bay, Murray Bay, Devil Creek, Lid Creek, Lost Johnny Camp and Lost Johnny Point, Doris Point Camp and Boat, Riverside, Big Creek and Tally Lake campgrounds are open.

These campgrounds and recreation areas are operated by the forest concessionaire Flathead Valley Campgrounds.

One change this year is that Holland Lake Campground has a day use fee of $5 per vehicle, consistent with day use fees across the forest.

This fee also applies to the boat launch at Holland Lake. Season-long day-use passes for $30 are available at all campgrounds operated by Flathead Valley Campgrounds (www.flatheadvalleycampgrounds.com)

Spotted Bear Campground is operated by the U.S. Forest Service and is open for camping. Water and other services are available. In addition to campgrounds, boat launches and day-use areas, the forest also has 14 rental cabins.

To rent a cabin or to reserve select campground sites, go to http://www.recreation.gov.

Many non-fee campgrounds can be found on the forest as well, such as Lindbergh Lake Campground on Swan Lake Ranger District, Beaver Creek Campground at Spotted Bear Ranger District, Upper Stillwater Lake on Tally Lake Ranger District and Lake View Campground on Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District.

For more information, go to www.fs.usda.gov/activity/flathead/recreation/camping-cabins.

Forest campers and visitors are reminded that all food and food-related items must be stored in a bear-resistant manner. The Flathead National Forest is home to grizzly and black bears, and responsible human actions will help avoid unwanted bear encounters.

Campers also are reminded to be careful with fire. Never leave a fire unattended and be sure the fire is “dead out” before leaving.

If you plan to hike, be aware that conditions may be different than usual for this time of year on wilderness and upper-elevation trails. A combination of recent rain, heavy runoff and blowdown is blocking traditional routes that hikers often use this time of year. Some water crossings may be unsafe.

Campers may camp for 16 consecutive days in one site. If they plan to camp longer, they cannot camp within a 5- mile radius of the original campsite and a minimum of seven days is required before any group or people from the group may reoccupy the original location.